💍 Marriage Retreat 2026
Bournemouth · 23–25 July
"Two are better than one… a cord of three strands is not quickly broken." — Eccl. 4:9,12
💍

Rooted in Love,
Grounded in Faith

23rd – 25th July 2026 · Bournemouth
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"And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace."

— Colossians 3:14–15
Welcome

Welcome!

We are so glad that you will be joining us at this year's Marriage Retreat. Over three days in the beautiful Bournemouth, our prayer is that God will refresh your covenant, renew your love, and remind you of the precious gift He placed in one another. Come expectant — He has much in store!

📅
View Schedule
✝️
Daily Devotional
🍽️
Local Dining
Ask a Question
This Year's Theme

🏛️ "Built to Withstand"

A marriage built on Christ is a marriage built to withstand every storm. This retreat calls couples to deepen their roots — in prayer, in truth, and in the unshakeable foundation of God's covenant love — so that together, you will stand firm through every season.

📅 Retreat Programme

23rd – 25th July 2026

Thursday 23rd July — Arrival Day
3:00 PM
Arrival & Check-In
Check in at reception and collect your room key
Check-In
3:00 PM onwards
On-Site Activities — Settle In & Unwind
🏊 Swimming Pool  ·  🏋️ Gym  ·  🧘 Spa & Relaxation  ·  🛋️ Lounge Area
Free Time
7:00 PM
Evening Seminar with Pastor Courtney Lowe
Opening session welcoming all couples and setting the tone for the retreat weekend
Seminar · 7–9pm
9:30 PM
Dinner — Your Choice!
🍽️ Local restaurants  ·  🥡 Local takeaways  ·  🏨 Onsite restaurant  ·  🛋️ Relax in the lounge
Meal / Free Time
Friday 24th July — Growth Day
7:00 AM
Breakfast
Full breakfast served at the hotel Brasserie
Meal · 7–9:30am
10:00 AM
Morning Seminars & Activities with Pastor Courtney Lowe
Enriching morning of teaching, workshops, and couple activities to deepen your connection and faith
Seminar · 10am
1:00 PM
Free Time — Afternoon in Bournemouth
The afternoon is yours! Explore the beach, town centre, local activities, or simply rest together 🌊
Free Time
7:00 PM
Couples' Banquet 🕯️✨
🍽️ Buffet Dinner
🎤 Q&A with Pastor Fred & Norma Rubi and Pastor Courtney & Francis Lowe
👗 Dress Code: Elegant / Black Tie
Banquet Dinner
Saturday 25th July — Renewal Day
7:00 AM
Breakfast
Full breakfast served at the hotel Brasserie
Meal · 7–9am
9:30 AM
Morning Seminar with Pastor Courtney Lowe
A closing session to send couples home renewed, rooted, and ready
Seminar · 9:30–10:30am
11:00 AM
Check-Out
Please vacate rooms by 11:00 AM
Check-Out
11:00 AM onwards
Free Time — Farewell to Bournemouth 🌊☀️
Enjoy your final hours! Last beach walk, coffee together, or explore before heading home renewed
Free Time

"May the Lord bless you and keep you… and give you peace." — Numbers 6:24–26

🏨 Venue & Accommodation

Everything you need to know about your stay

Retreat Base

Bournemouth West Cliff Hotel & Spa

Durley Chine Road, Bournemouth, BH2 5JS

Modern spa hotel in central Bournemouth — a short walk from the stunning sandy beaches.

🌐 Visit Hotel Website

📋 Check-In Details

📥
Check-InThursday 23rd July from 3:00 PM — go straight to reception for your key
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Check-OutSaturday 25th July by 11:00 AM
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ParkingFree on-site parking for all retreat guests
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Wi-FiFree Wi-Fi throughout the hotel
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BreakfastDaily 7:00–9:30 AM in the Brasserie restaurant
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Room TypeDouble en-suite room per couple

🏊 On-Site Facilities

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SpaSteam room, sauna, aromatherapy cave, jacuzzi & treatment rooms
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PoolsTwo pools including a glass-roofed leisure pool
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GymState-of-the-art fitness equipment
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Restaurant & BarBrasserie, lounge bar & conservatory
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GardenTropical themed garden — perfect for relaxing outdoors

🚗 Getting There

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By TrainBournemouth Station — 15 min walk or short taxi
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By CoachNational Express to Bournemouth Bus Station
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By CarM3 / A338 — follow signs to Bournemouth Town Centre

🍽️ Local Dining

Tap ❤️ to vote — most liked rises to the top! · £ = price guide

💰 Price Guide: £ = Low cost  ·  ££ = Medium cost  ·  £££ = High cost

💡 Dining Tip

Bournemouth is busy in July — book tables in advance, especially for Friday evening. All distances are from the hotel. Only restaurants rated 4.5⭐ and above are listed.

🌊 Local Activities

Tap an activity to learn more · ❤️ to vote for your favourites!

🙏 Couples' Suggestion

Take a sunrise walk along the beach on Friday morning before breakfast — the Bournemouth seafront at sunrise is truly a sacred and beautiful moment to share together.

✝️ Daily Devotionals

Scripture & reflection for each day of the retreat

Day 1 — Thursday 23rd July
"Place me like a seal over your heart, like a seal on your arm; for love is as strong as death… It burns like blazing fire, like a mighty flame."
— Song of Solomon 8:6

📖 Theme: "The Foundation of Our Love"

Today we arrive — not just to a place, but to a moment. God placed within marriage a love that reflects His own covenant faithfulness. Take time to remember why you chose each other and how far God has brought you.

💬 Couple Reflection

  • What is one thing about your spouse you are deeply grateful for this season?
  • How have you seen God's faithfulness in your marriage over the past year?
  • What do you hope to take away from this retreat together?

🙏 Prayer Together

Lord, we come before You with open hands and open hearts. Thank You for the gift of each other. Soften our hearts to one another and to Your Spirit. Let this be a holy and healing time. We surrender our marriage into Your hands. Amen.

Day 2 — Friday 24th July
"Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace."
— Ephesians 4:2–3

📖 Theme: "Going Deeper in Love"

True intimacy requires courage — the courage to be seen, to be honest, and to keep choosing each other even in difficulty. Allow the Holy Spirit to bring healing, clarity, and fresh connection between you.

💬 Couple Reflection

  • Is there something you've been holding back that you'd like your spouse to know?
  • Where do you feel most connected in your marriage right now? Where least?
  • How can you better bear with and celebrate your spouse's differences?

🙏 Prayer Together

Father, teach us to love with patience and humility. Help us to see each other through Your eyes. Where there has been hurt, bring healing. Where there has been distance, draw us close. Make us one, even as You are one. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Day 3 — Saturday 25th July
"Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate… the two will become one flesh. So they are no longer two, but one flesh."
— Matthew 19:6

📖 Theme: "Sent Forth Together"

Today is not an ending — it is a sending. You leave this place recommissioned. God's plan for your marriage is greater than you can imagine. He who began a good work in you will carry it to completion.

💬 Couple Reflection

  • What is one commitment you want to make to your spouse as you leave this retreat?
  • What one practical step will you take together in the next 30 days?
  • How will you keep God at the centre of your relationship going forward?

🙏 Closing Blessing

Lord, bless this couple as they go. May their home be a house of prayer. May their love grow stronger with every year. May their marriage be a witness to the world of Your unfailing love. In Jesus' mighty name, Amen.

📚 Marriage Books

Recommended reading for couples — before, during & after the retreat

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Recommended Read · Christian Marriage

Marriage Works: Building a Stronger Marriage

A practical and faith-filled guide to building a stronger, God-centred marriage. Packed with wisdom for couples at every stage — whether newly married or decades in.

🛒 View on Amazon
📗
Recommended Read · Intimacy & Marriage

The Act of Marriage (Updated & Expanded)

A trusted Christian classic on intimacy within marriage — updated and expanded. Encourages couples to understand and embrace the gift of physical and emotional closeness as God designed it.

🛒 View on Eden

❓ Ask a Question

Submit your question for the banquet Q&A

🎤 Q&A with Pastor Fred & Norma Rubi and Pastor Courtney & Francis Lowe

During Friday evening's banquet, Pastor Fred & Norma Rubi and Pastor Courtney & Francis Lowe will be answering questions from couples on marriage, faith, and love.

This is a wonderful opportunity to ask something that's been on your heart. All questions will be submitted anonymously — submit yours using the button below!

✏️ Submit Your Question
💡 How It Works

Simple & Easy

Tap the button above to open the question form. Type your question and submit — it's that simple!

📣 Notices & FAQs

Important information from the retreat team

📌 Check-In

📌 Pinned

Check-in is from 3:00 PM on Thursday 23rd July. Simply go to hotel reception on arrival and collect your room key.

Retreat Team

🕯️ Friday Banquet — Black Tie

📌 Pinned

Friday's banquet begins at 7:00 PM. Dress code: Elegant / Black Tie. The evening includes a buffet dinner and a Q&A with Pastor Fred & Norma Rubi and Pastor Courtney & Francis Lowe.

Retreat Team

🏊 Hotel Facilities

Info

The spa, pools, and gym are available to all retreat guests. Please bring appropriate swimwear. The spa features a steam room, sauna, jacuzzi, and aromatherapy cave.

Retreat Team

🍽️ Thursday Evening Dining

Info

After the seminar (from 9:30 PM), feel free to dine at the onsite restaurant, head to a local restaurant, grab a takeaway, or relax in the lounge. Check the Dining tab for our top nearby recommendations!

Retreat Team

📞 Contact the Retreat Team

For any questions, concerns, or issues during the retreat, please reach out to:

👫
Nathan & Naomie
Retreat Coordinators
💬
Please approach us in person or contact us via phone message.

"He who calls you is faithful, and He will do it." — 1 Thessalonians 5:24

💬 FAQs

Tap a question to reveal the answer

Is there free parking?
Yes. Parking is complimentary at the hotel and on the side roads surrounding the hotel.
Is there a Spa at the hotel?
Yes. The Spa access is charged at £15 per day per person.
Can I bring children?
The rooms cannot accommodate more than a couple and a baby. All babies will need to be registered with the hotel in advance to guarantee cot facilities.
How much spending money should I bring?
Bournemouth is a beautiful place with many free amenities such as the local beach where you can take strolls with your loved one. We recommend extra money for dinner on the Thursday night and lunch on the Friday to ensure maximum satisfaction.
Are the rooms accessible?
The hotel provides a few accessible rooms which need to be prebooked. Please reach out before June 25th if you require such a room.
How can I prepare for the retreat?
Build a prayer list of things you would like to get out of the retreat and start praying early on these things.

Check the weather, hotel facilities and retreat schedule and pack clothes accordingly.

Come open minded, come expectant and be ready for God to do something exceedingly amazing in your relationship.

"He who calls you is faithful, and He will do it." — 1 Thessalonians 5:24